North Shore Chamber Arts Ensemble has announced its 2012-2013 season. The ensemble, under the baton of Maestro David Rubens, has been described as “exciting and beautiful, offering providing “readings that are the equal to any offered throughout the world.”

On Sunday, December 2, 2012 at North Shore United Methodist Church in Glencoe, Illinois at 4 P.M. the ensemble will perform Part 1 of Handel’s Messiah in a special edition by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, David Rubens. The performance will feature a double continuo, soloists, a chorus of 12 and orchestra. These are the dimensions in which Handel intended his masterpiece to be performed and how the composer rehearsed it for its Dublin premiere. Sopranos Nancy Wiebe Mazurowski and Amberleigh Aller, mezzo soprano Sarah Ponder, tenor Jay Morrissey and Elliot Nott, bass-baritone will be featured soloists.

Ensemble members will participate in a free concert, Cookies, Cocoa and Carols, on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 4 P.M. This concert consists of Christmas, Chanukah and seasonal music along with original holiday stories. Free cocoa (some of the best you’ve ever tasted) plus home-baked pastries will be part of the festivities.

On Sunday, February 24, 2013, the ensemble will present an All Schubert Concert for string orchestra. The program will include the Overture in c minor and Rondo in A Major for solo violin and strings. The second half of the program will include Five German Dances, Op. 90, Five Minuets and Six Trios, and Valses nobles, Op.77. Along with these works, Artistic Director Rubens has selected six lieder (songs) by the composer, which will provide a striking contrast to the orchestral pieces and coincide with the time he composed the pieces for string orchestra.

On Sunday, April 28, the ensemble will conclude its 2012-2013 season with a performance of Vivaldi’s famous concertos entitled The Seasons, op. 8, no. 1, 2, 3 and 4-Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

All concerts take place on Sundays, 4 P.M. at North Shore United Methodist Church, 213 Hazel Avenue, Glencoe. Street parking is free and the church is wheel-chair accessible.

For E-tickets visit www.chamber-arts-ensemble.org or purchase tickets at the door. You are encouraged to buy your tickets early because the unreserved seating is limited. Ticket prices are $35 Adults, $25 Veterans/Seniors, $10 Students and Children.

WFMT Fine Arts members will find a 2 for 1 offer online. If you buy one full priced Adult ticket you are entitled to a second ticket at the same or lesser price. Buy full season tickets on line at a discount.